Billy Lee Jahnke's Obituary
Billy Lee Jahnke 73, of Fredonia, passed away peacefully Thursday November 27, 2025, at Solace House in Joplin. He put up a good fight, but this was one he just couldn’t win. Born February 29, 1952, in Forest City, IA to Robert Henry and Lois Elaine (Berger) Jahnke.
Billy proudly wore the US Army uniform for 23 years until retirement and always said he would do it again if asked. Several of those years he served overseas. A member of the American Legion and a life member of Fredonia Post 3018 where he served as commander for 16 years. Cooking many fund raiser dinners, smoked lots of turkey legs and brisket, Billy loved cooking.
Billy loved collecting Farmall International Tractors, and had lots of collectables, he was adamant no green in his collection, everything had to be red. He also enjoyed gardening and growing tomatoes. Billy was a hard worker, always doing something, tinkering around in his shop, working on his tractors, and going to tractor pulls. He was not a sit around and watch TV kind of guy. He especially enjoyed cooking with his friends and maybe having a beer or two.
A man of few works, his handshake was his bond. If he gave you a task, it needed to be done exactly how he said, or he would let you know about it. Not much on words and gave plain answers. You never knew what stray animal or human he would bring home, nothing or nobody went hungry. A true road warrior, driving semis for 28 years, normally with his dogs, he also owned and operated 2 semis of his own, as he loved the open road.
While working for Taylor Crane, he came to Fredonia working at the cement plant, this is where he met his best friend, soulmate, and love of his life Maxine Lorentz. They spent the next 24 years together, and she survives at their home.
Other survivors include:
Son, Johnny Jahnke, Susan Russell, stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, Bonus daughter, bonus grandsons Waylon Wescott and Dallas.
Siblings: Sandy, Henry, Art, Carolyn and Bobby.
He was preceded in death by a baby brother.
Cremation has been requested with no services planned at this time. Memorials in his memory have been suggested to either the Fredonia Pound Pals or the Solace House of Joplin and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
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